What This Document Is
This is a laboratory session assignment for an introductory microelectronic circuits course (ELENG 40) at the University of California, Berkeley. Specifically, it details a hands-on exercise focused on interfacing touch sensors with a microcontroller. It builds upon previously learned concepts regarding touch sensor behavior as observed with an oscilloscope and transitions to a system-level implementation. The assignment requires students to modify and implement code on a microcontroller development board.
Why This Document Matters
This lab session is crucial for students seeking to solidify their understanding of how to integrate analog sensor data into a microcontroller-based system. It’s particularly beneficial for those pursuing careers in embedded systems, robotics, or any field involving human-computer interaction. Students will gain practical experience in signal conditioning, timing measurements, and programming microcontrollers to respond to external stimuli. This assignment is designed to be completed during a scheduled lab period and submitted for evaluation.
Topics Covered
* Capacitive sensing principles
* Microcontroller input/output configuration
* Timing and measurement techniques using microcontrollers
* RC circuit discharge characteristics
* Analog-to-digital conversion (implied through sensor reading)
* Basic programming concepts for microcontroller interaction
* Data interpretation and visualization (through LED display)
What This Document Provides
* A detailed description of the experimental setup, including component connections on the EE100 microcontroller board.
* A partially completed code skeleton for reading data from a touch sensor.
* Instructions for verifying the sensor’s operation using a scope probe.
* A lab report template for documenting experimental results and code modifications.
* Guidance on modifying the code to create a visual representation of touch sensor input.
* Specific point values associated with different parts of the assignment.
